FIGURES OF SPEECH
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In this
course beginning students survey the classical figures of
speech, which form the basis for style. This course
teaches the features and functions of each of the figures of
speech and provides enjoyable exercises in their use.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: Grammar, World Chronology.
NARRATIVE
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This course teaches the art of writing
historical, realistic and fictitious narratives. The
ability to refute and confirm narratives is also developed in
this course. Competence in these forms is essential for
future writing and speaking, which regularly draws upon
narrative skills to offer proof for an opinion, and for
professional applications in law, politics, theology, etc..
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: Grammar, World Chronology.
THE ART OF POETRY I
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In this
course students are introduced to the history, philosophy and
practice of classical poetry. Students are exercised in
the Epigram, Pastoral, Elegy, Lyric, and Ode. Students
learn all poetic numbers and rhymes as well as which pertain to
classical languages and which to English...and why.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: Grammar, World Chronology.
COMMONPLACES
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In this course
students are exercised in general questions of virtue and vice.
This may be viewed as the first course in essay writing and
speechmaking, which build upon these exercises. Proverbs
are examples of commonplaces boiled down into concise sayings,
which is a necessary exercise in the pursuit of wisdom and a
focus of this course.
Prerequisites: Classical Narrative
Corequisites: Catechism, Dialectic
COMPARISON
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In this course
students are exercised in panegyrics, invectives, and comparison. This course serves
a double purpose. First, the powers of persuasion and expression
receive continued exercise as students contemplate the qualities
of individual persons in light of their circumstances.
Second, the student necessarily improves his own character
through the study of the virtues and vices of others.
Competence in these forms is essential for future writing and
speaking, which regularly draws upon ethical contemplation, and
for professional applications in law, politics, theology, etc..
Prerequisites: Commonplaces
Corequisites: Dialectic, Rhetoric |
THESES
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In this course
students are required to examine complex issues from both sides
(thesis and antithesis). Topics are
political, philosophical and theological--but general in nature.
The aim of this course is to develop a student's ability to work
through both sides of an issue that (a) he may argue for truth
and not mere preference and (b) that he may learn to anticipate
an opponent's best arguments and prepare their refutation in
advance.
Prerequisites: Comparison
Corequisites: Philosophy, Theology
THE ART OF POETRY II
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In this
course students continue in their studies of the history,
philosophy and practice of classical poetry. Students are
exercised in the composition of Epic (Narrative), Tragic and
Comic poetry in the classical tradition. Aristotle, of
course, is our guide.
Prerequisites: World Chronology.
Co-requisites: Literature
DECLAMATIONS
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The final
exercise of classical writing instruction is the declamation.
The declamation requires a student to address a specific issue,
muddied by the details of unique circumstances. Students
are exercised in both deliberative declamations (which seek to
persuade an audience of future action) and forensic declamations
(which persuade an audience of past actions). These are
the questions of real life and the ultimate challenge of a
classically trained writer. It is important to note that
the declamation provides the natural context for research
writing.
Prerequisites: Theses
Corequisites: Philosophy, Theology
CLAA WRITERS' SOCIETY
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The CLAA will
invite its finest student writers to join the CLAA Writers'
Society. In the Society, students will will receive
individualized coaching and advanced training to continue their
development in the craft, while enjoying the fellowship of other
society members.
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